Rejected baby cheetah befriends puppy at San Diego Zoo

SAN DIEGO (KABC) -- A baby cheetah rejected by his mother has found a lifelong companion in a 7-week-old puppy.

Six-week-old Ruuxa was chosen to be an animal ambassador for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. To prepare for this prestigious post, Ruuxa was introduced to Raina, a 7-week-old Rhodesian ridgeback puppy.

According to the zoo's website, the cheetahs chosen to be ambassadors are paired with a domestic dog because dogs are comfortable with people.

Ruuxa has been raised by San Diego zoo keepers since his mother abandoned him.

San Diego Zoo Animal Training manager Susie Ekard says the cub and pup's friendship is not just for the cameras. The two are said to be inseparable.

ABC News contributed to this report